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Substance Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

Substance Abuse

Signs, Symptoms,

Treatment, and

Recovery

Substance Abuse and Addiction

Substance abuse is one of the top reasons individuals present to the emergency room and nearly 50,000 individuals in 2015 died from overdose secondary to substance abuse. Unfortunately drug and alcohol abuse are continuing to rise in the United States and according to studies, 23.5 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs and only 11percent of those people seek treatment for their addictions. The number one reason individuals are not seeking treatment for the substance abuse is due to costs and access to treatment. Alcohol, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, benzodiazepines and other opioids are the top substances of abuse in the United States.

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Signs and symptoms of addiction

The physical signs and symptoms of drug abuse depend on the specific drug of choice and therefore can range from excessive fatigue in the case of opioid abuse to superhuman violence and strength in the case of phencyclidine (PCP). Although the drug of choice defines the specific signs and symptoms, there are generally physical and behavioral symptoms associated with general drug and alcohol use:

Changes in weight

Bloodshot or glazed eyes

Changes in speech

Dilated or constricted pupils

Increased aggression or irritability

Changes in personality

Excessive tiredness or excessive energy

Depression

Change in personality or priorities

Financial problems

Involvement in criminal activity

Addiction vs. Tolerance vs. Dependence

Addiction, tolerance and dependence are often mistakenly used interchangeable among common society however these are distinct behaviors with specific definitions. Addiction is a psychological condition affecting the brain that is characterized by compulsive drug and alcohol seeking behavior. Chronic drug and alcohol use changes the brain chemistry and communication systems by rewiring the reward and pleasure pathways in the brain creating more intense cravings for these illicit substances rather than natural rewards. Addiction results in compulsive and harmful behaviors that can affect every aspect of an individual’s life including their occupation, relationships and home life.

Tolerance is defined as the individual’s diminished response to a drug after its repeated use. The more often an individual uses alcohol or an illegal substance to get high, the less of a response their body will have to that stimulus and therefore more of that drug will be needed to reach the same effects. This physical effect of repeated drug use is not associated with addiction, per say, meaning that an individual can develop a tolerance to alcohol or heroin without necessarily being addicted.

Dependence is known as the body’s physical adaptation to the abused substance of choice and once the individual stops taking the abuse substance the body will undergo predictable and painful symptoms known as withdrawals. Withdrawal symptoms must be present for tolerance to occur. Each drug has it’s own withdrawal symptoms. For example nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, headaches, and extreme muscle aches are characteristics of opioid withdrawal whereas a high heart rate, elevated blood pressure, excessive sweating, tactile, auditory and visual hallucinations and seizures.

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Preferred in-network provider for addiction treatment

Treatment for Substance Abuse

Depending on the substance of abuse and the severity of the behavior, treatment can range from inpatient hospitalization to drug and alcohol classes such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Usually the first step in treating an individual with a drug or alcohol addiction is detoxification, which works to eliminate the addictive substance from the body. Medications can help alleviate side effects from certain drugs such as opioids, alcohol and benzodiazepines. Residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care and outpatient counseling are the different levels of treatment for substance abuse.

"We would not hesitate to send our daughter back to this excellent facility if it was needed."

Carole Z.Parent of Resilience Alumni

The number one reason individuals are not seeking treatment for the substance abuse is due to costs and access to treatment. Overdose, drug abuse and alcohol abuse affect men more than women. Alcohol, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, benzodiazepines and other opioids are the top substances of abuse in the United States. Depending on the specific substance, medications can be used to help prevent cravings and ease withdrawal effects. Additionally, psychotherapy is needed in order to teach individuals coping skills and uncover the underlying reason for their addiction. Often times, individuals will have a co-occurring disorder associated with their alcohol or drug abuse. Co-occurring disorders are at least two different mental health disorder that exist at the same time and usually one disorder such as anxiety can lead to another disorder such as alcohol abuse or vice versa. Anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, self-harm behavior, and bipolar disorder are all common mental health disorders that often co-occur with a substance abuse disorder.

For more information, resources, or to consult with a treatment specialist, call 866.482.3876

Take a tour of our Substance Abuse Treatment Centers

Center For Discovery specializes in treating eating disorders, mental health disorders, and substance absue issues along with the underlying causes that are accompanied with them. This is accomplished through unique treatment programs for every individual to get them on their way to recovery.